Notice

On June 29, 2012, the Fisheries Act was amended. Policy and regulations are now being developed to support the new fisheries protection provisions of the Act (which are not yet in force). The existing guidance and policies continue to apply. For more information, see Changes to the Fisheries Act.

Information you need to provide for an Authorization

There is often a requirement to provide additional information about your project when applying for a Fisheries Act Authorization including:

• Filling out the "Application for Fisheries Act Authorization" sent to you by DFO staff.
• Further assessment or confirmation of the fish and fish habitat that is likely to be affected (impacts) by your proposal. This is the finalization of the Aquatic Effects Assessment that would have been started in Step 2.
• Any relocation or redesign options considered for reducing impacts to fish and fish habitat.
• The design details, construction techniques and mitigation measures being proposed. An example of how to present this information is available in the Practitioner's Guide to the Risk Management Framework (beginning on page 9).
• The habitat compensation plan, to achieve no net loss of fish habitat. For more information please consult the Practitioner's Guide to Habitat Compensation.
• A monitoring plan that will ensure habitat compensation and mitigation measures function properly.
• A letter of credit as financial security for ensuring compensation and mitigation are completed.
• Completion of an environmental assessment under Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) or other environmental assessment regulatory regime.
• Any conditions as required by the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Please be advised that any impacts to fish and fish habitat which result from proceeding with your proposal without first obtaining a Fisheries Act authorization could lead to compliance and enforcement action.